Broadband for all is our challenge says Ooredoo chief

Bangkok, November 21, 2013

The global communications industry has been urged to seize the challenge of providing more people with Broadband Internet access.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom World event in Bangkok, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, chairman of Ooredoo, called upon operators to work together to lower mobile broadband costs and improve network access.

The annual edition of ITU Telecom World, which started today, is a three-day event. The topic for discussions this year is “Embracing Change in a Digital World,” bringing together influential global leaders in ICT from the public and private sectors to discuss solutions and new ideas.

“Our industry has two major challenges in the upcoming period. We need to make sure that the benefits of mobile broadband technology are available to as many people as possible. We need to work together with government, operators and device manufacturers to boost affordability, improve network access and improve the customer experience,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

“At the same time, we need to do a better job of shaping the future, rather than responding to it. We need to be active investors in new ideas, new thinking and new approaches that will help our customers in their daily lives,” he added.

His bold challenge to the industry was echoed on the same day by Ooredoo Group CEO Dr Nasser Marafih, who spoke on a panel with leading experts including Dr. Hamadoun Touré, secretary-general, ITU; Jon Fredrik Baksaas, president and group CEO, Telenor Group; and Anudith Nakornthap, minister, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Thailand.

“Mobile Broadband is the fastest-growing technology in history, with global subscriptions growing 30 percent a year, according to the ITU. We’re supporting this growth across our footprint, and see strong opportunity in Asia, where a large proportion of the population will first access the Internet through mobile devices. There is a need for new networks, increased availability of low-cost devices, and better government understanding on issues around regulation and licensing,” said Dr Nasser.

Ooredoo has taken huge steps in recent years to enhance access to networks and boost communication technology. In its home market of Qatar, the company has rolled-out a nationwide Fibre network and launched the country’s first-ever 4G service.

Across its international markets, Ooredoo has launched a range of services to enrich people’s lives, including Mobile Money services, mobile health initiatives and targeted services for women and young people, a statement said.

Qatar will be the host nation for the ITU conference in 2014. –TradeArabia News Service